Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressing on diabetic wound healing and change the diabetic foot care protocols in our population and setup.
Methodology: The study was carried out in the Federal Government Services Hospital, Islamabad from January 2018 to January 2021. A total of 80 patients were divided into two groups. Group A: conventional pyodine dressing and Group B: Modified VAC dressing group. Healing endpoint was taken when the whole wound was covered by granulation tissue.
Results: Patients in group A had a mean age of 56.89±7.23 years and group B had a mean age of 58.13±8.44 years. The formation of granulation tissue on the wound was quicker in Group B (12.67±5.81 days) than in group A (29.90±9.11 days). Reduction in surface area was also better in Group B than in Group A. Complications like ascending infections, re-debridement and amputations were all greater in group A.
Conclusion: Modified VAC dressing is a quick and safe method to achieve a healthy endpoint in diabetic foot ulcers than conventional dressings.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, diabetic complications, vacuum-assisted closure, diabetic Foot.